African Catholic Bishops to gather in Kigali for SECAM’s 20th plenary assembly

Accra, Selikem Norfegali – The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) is set to hold its 20th Plenary Assembly in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 30 to August 4, 2025, under the theme: “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace.”

The landmark gathering, according to a press release issued on July 23, 2025, will bring together “over 250 participants, including Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Consecrated Men and Women, and Lay Leaders from across Africa and its islands, as well as partners from other continents.”

The Kigali Assembly will serve as both a moment of reflection and strategic renewal for the Catholic Church on the continent. “The plenary will bring together… participants… to assess the progress made since the 19th Assembly, held in 2022 in Accra, Ghana, and chart a visionary course for the Church in Africa.”

Among key agenda items will be the presentation of SECAM’s long-term vision document for 2025–2050, framed around twelve foundational pillars. These include: “evangelization, family leadership, youth engagement, care for creation, digital mission, and political responsibility.”

Also on the agenda is “a pastoral reflection on accompanying Catholics in complex cultural realities, including polygamous unions.”

Other issues to be addressed include “governance, justice, peace, interfaith dialogue, climate change, and safeguarding.”

The Assembly will also see the unveiling of the Triennial Strategic Plan (2025–2028) and the renewal of SECAM’s leadership in line with its constitution.